John M. Burke – författare

Advance man, press agent, and publicist extraordinaire, John M. Burke (1842–1917) was instrumental in turning William F. Cody into the iconic persona of Buffalo Bill. And with this biography, published in 1893, Burke put the finishing touches on the legend that persists to this day. This new, definitive edition includes the full text and all the photographs and line drawings of Burke's original, while providing critical background on the literary sources, historical characters, and events that figure in the work.With "a few plain truths, unadorned," Burke purported to give a frank account of Buffalo Bill's life. Hostile Indians, gunfights, cattle stampedes: Cody's Wild West was fraught with peril at every turn. This "Chevalier Bayard of American Bordermen" exemplified courage and daring while often narrowly escaping certain death and earned the respect and admiration of not only his fellow frontiersman but also European royalty. Burke recounts Cody's duel with Chief Yellow Hand; his role as army scout, buffalo hunter, Pony Express rider, and international celebrity; and his associations with well-known figures like Kit Carson, Sitting Bull, General Phil Sheridan, and Queen Victoria. A brilliant instance of mythmaking by a true believer, Burke's portrait of Buffalo Bill Cody as frontiersman and hero is a tribute to the romance of the Wild West and a canonical volume in the American story.

The author of this book has attempted to present to the reader the story and triumphs of the frontier lad of nine years, from the wild Western scenes of Kansas and Nebraska, from the prairies of the Platte to the parlors of the East and the palaces of Europe.William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917) was an American scout, bison hunter, and showman. He was born in Le Claire, Iowa Territory but he lived for several years in his father''s hometown in Toronto Township, Ontario, Canada, before the family returned to the Midwest and settled in the Kansas Territory.One of the most colorful figures of the American Old West, Buffalo Bill''s legend began to spread when he was only twenty-three. Shortly thereafter he started performing in shows that displayed cowboy themes and episodes from the frontier and Indian Wars. He founded Buffalo Bill''s Wild West in 1883, taking his large company on tours in the United States and, beginning in 1887, in Great Britain and continental Europe.

In ''The True Story of Buffalo Bill (Illustrated Edition)'' by John M. Burke, readers are taken on a vivid journey through the life of the iconic American showman Buffalo Bill. Through detailed illustrations and engaging storytelling, Burke provides a comprehensive look at Buffalo Bill''s rise to fame through his Wild West shows and his impact on American culture. The book is written in a fluid and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds, while offering deep insights into the historical and cultural context of the time. Burke skillfully weaves together historical facts and personal anecdotes to create a captivating narrative. John M. Burke, a noted historian and expert on American folklore, brings a wealth of knowledge and research to this book. His passion for preserving and sharing the true story of Buffalo Bill is evident throughout the pages, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in American history. Burke''s dedication to accuracy and authenticity shines through in his meticulous attention to detail. I highly recommend ''The True Story of Buffalo Bill (Illustrated Edition)'' to readers who are fascinated by American history, folklore, and the larger-than-life characters who have shaped the cultural landscape of the United States. Burke''s expertly crafted narrative and visually stunning illustrations make this book a must-read for anyone looking to delve into the life and legacy of Buffalo Bill.